In a digital-first world, a well-designed product catalogue remains one of the most powerful sales tools for B2B businesses. Trade shows, dealer meetings, client presentations — a premium printed catalogue communicates credibility, product depth, and brand quality in ways that a PDF or website simply cannot match.
This guide covers everything you need to know about catalogue printing in India — from design best practices and paper selection to binding options, finishing, pricing, and working with a catalogue printing company in Mumbai.
Why Printed Catalogues Still Matter in 2026
- Tangible brand experience: Physical catalogues create lasting impressions — average viewing time is 15+ minutes vs 2 minutes for email
- Trade show essential: 76% of trade show visitors prefer printed materials to remember exhibitors
- B2B sales tool: Dealers, distributors, and retailers use catalogues as reference documents
- Premium perception: High-quality printing signals product quality and brand investment
- Accessibility: No battery, no internet, no login — always available for reference
Types of Catalogues
1. Product Catalogue
The classic product catalogue showcases your complete product range with specifications, features, pricing, and order information. Used by manufacturers, industrial suppliers, and B2B companies. Typically 24–100+ pages.
2. Lookbook / Lifestyle Catalogue
Image-heavy, design-forward catalogues popular in fashion, jewellery, furniture, and interior design. Focus on lifestyle photography with minimal text. Premium paper and finishing are essential.
3. Corporate Profile / Capability Brochure
Showcases company history, capabilities, infrastructure, certifications, and client portfolio. Usually 12–24 pages with premium finishing — the "face" of your company for new business pitches.
4. Technical Catalogue
Detailed technical specifications, engineering drawings, compatibility charts, and application guides. Common for auto parts, industrial products, and electrical/plumbing fittings. Requires excellent table formatting.
5. Price List / Rate Card
Regularly updated product pricing documents for dealers and distributors. Designed for frequent reprints with variable pricing — ideal for digital printing (HP Indigo) to enable smaller, more frequent print runs.
Catalogue Design Best Practices
Layout & Grid System
- Use a consistent grid: 2-column or 3-column layouts maintain visual order across pages
- White space: Don't overcrowd — generous margins and spacing improve readability
- Clear hierarchy: Category headings → product names → descriptions → specs → pricing
- Cross-references: "See also" links and index for easy navigation
Photography
- Resolution: Minimum 300 DPI for print. Never use web images (72 DPI)
- Consistency: Same lighting, angles, and backgrounds across product categories
- Lifestyle shots: Show products in context, not just on white backgrounds
- File format: TIFF or high-quality JPEG in CMYK colour mode
Typography & Colour
- Body text: Minimum 9pt for comfortable reading. Sans-serif fonts for modern look
- Pantone colours: Specify brand colours as Pantone for offset printing accuracy
- Bleed: Extend images 3mm beyond trim edge to avoid white borders
- Print file format: PDF/X-1a with embedded fonts and CMYK colours
Paper Selection for Catalogues
Inner Pages
- 130 GSM Art Paper (Gloss): Most popular — good photo reproduction, cost-effective, lightweight
- 150 GSM Art Paper: Slightly heavier feel, less show-through, better for double-sided printing
- 170 GSM Art Paper: Premium weight for high-end catalogues
- 130 GSM Matte Art: Sophisticated matte finish, easier to read, premium feel
- 100 GSM Woodfree: Budget option for text-heavy technical catalogues
Cover Pages
- 250 GSM Art Card + Lamination: Standard — sturdy cover with gloss or matte lamination
- 300 GSM Art Card + Soft-Touch: Premium — velvety finish for luxury brands
- 350 GSM + Spot UV: Premium with glossy accent elements on matte background
- Grey/White Board + Wrapping: Case-bound hardcover for coffee table catalogues
Binding Options
| Binding Type | Page Range | Best For | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saddle-Stitch | 8–48 pages | Brochures, short catalogues | ₹ |
| Perfect Binding | 48–300+ pages | Product catalogues, magazines | ₹₹ |
| Wire-O / Spiral | 20–200 pages | Technical manuals, desk references | ₹₹ |
| Section Sewn | 64–500+ pages | Premium books, annual reports | ₹₹₹ |
| Case Binding | 48–500+ pages | Coffee table books, luxury catalogues | ₹₹₹₹ |
Pre-Press Checklist for Catalogue Printing
Before sending your catalogue to print, verify these critical items:
- File format: PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4 with fonts embedded
- Colour mode: CMYK (not RGB) — RGB images will shift colour on press
- Resolution: All images at 300 DPI at final print size
- Bleed: 3mm bleed on all sides for edge-to-edge graphics
- Trim marks: Include crop marks in PDF output
- Page count: Must be divisible by 4 for saddle-stitch, multiples of 8 preferred for perfect binding
- Spine width: For perfect-bound catalogues, calculate spine based on page count × paper thickness
- Rich black: Use C:40 M:30 Y:30 K:100 for large black areas, not just K:100
- Overprint: Set small black text to overprint to avoid trapping issues
Catalogue Printing Costs in India
| Catalogue Type | Spec | 1,000 pcs | 5,000 pcs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8-page brochure | A4, 170 GSM, saddle-stitch | ₹15–22/pc | ₹8–13/pc |
| 24-page catalogue | A4, 150 GSM, perfect bind | ₹45–70/pc | ₹25–40/pc |
| 48-page catalogue | A4, 150 GSM, perfect bind, lam | ₹80–120/pc | ₹45–70/pc |
| 100-page premium | A4, 170 GSM, case-bound | ₹250–450/pc | ₹150–280/pc |
Why Hira Print Solutions for Catalogues?
Hira Print Solutions Pvt. Ltd. specialises in premium catalogue printing for India's leading brands:
- World-class print quality: Manroland 700 UV 6-colour offset press for stunning photo reproduction
- Short-run catalogues: HP Indigo 7-colour digital for 200–2,000 copies with zero plate cost
- Premium finishing: Soft-touch lamination, spot UV, foil stamping, Scodix 3D effects
- All binding types: Saddle-stitch, perfect binding, Wire-O, section-sewn, case-binding
- Design support: Esko pre-press workflow ensures colour accuracy from proof to press
- Fast turnaround: 5–7 working days for standard catalogue orders
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does catalogue printing cost in India?
Catalogue printing costs depend on page count, paper, binding, and quantity. A 24-page A4 catalogue on 170 GSM art paper with perfect binding costs ₹25–70 per piece for 1,000–5,000 copies. Saddle-stitched 8-page catalogues cost ₹8–22 per piece.
What is the best paper for catalogue printing?
For inner pages: 130–170 GSM art paper (gloss or matte) provides excellent photo reproduction. For covers: 250–350 GSM art card with lamination. Premium catalogues use 200 GSM matte art for a luxury feel.
Which binding is best for catalogues?
Saddle-stitching is best for 8–48 page catalogues — cost-effective and lies flat. Perfect binding for 48+ pages — professional spine for shelf display. Wire-O for technical catalogues needing to lay fully flat. Case binding for premium coffee table catalogues.
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